Damian Lillard Returns to Portland Trail Blazers with New Deal

NBA star Damian Lillard has reportedly reached an agreement for a three-year, $42 million contract to rejoin the Portland Trail Blazers. He previously played eleven seasons with Portland, prior to a short period with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Reports indicate that the agreement incorporates a player option for the 2027-28 season and an uncommon no-trade clause, an attribute presently held only by Lillard and LeBron James in the NBA.

It is worth noting that Bradley Beal previously possessed a no-trade clause before securing a buyout contract with the Phoenix Suns earlier in the week.

Having previously spent 11 seasons with Portland, the 35-year-old had a brief stint with the Milwaukee Bucks.

He was traded to Milwaukee before the 2023-24 season but has now elected to return to the franchise where he initially gained prominence.

The Bucks, in the meantime, broadened the remaining $113 million from Lillard’s initial contract to enlist free-agent center Myles Turner.

Accounting for revenues from both his Portland and Milwaukee agreements, Lillard’s collective income for the 2025-26 season is estimated to reach $70 million.

His earnings over the ensuing two seasons could amount to as much as $141 million, preceding a prospective opt-out in 2027.

The deal was completed this week between Trail Blazers management and Lillard’s representative, Aaron Goodwin of Goodwin Sports Management.

Lillard sustained a torn left Achilles at the end of April during Game 4 of the Bucks’ initial playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and underwent a procedure in early May.

It is anticipated that he will allocate the 2025-26 season to rehabilitation before fully resuming court activities.

Despite acquiring numerous midlevel and minimum contract proposals from NBA title contenders, Lillard opted to reunite with Portland.

The Trail Blazers now feature a promising lineup that includes Lillard, Jrue Holiday, Deni Avdija, Jalen Williams, Toumani Camara, a 2029 first-round pick, and two future pick swaps from Milwaukee.

Lillard’s successful career in Portland encompasses 11 seasons, seven All-Star selections, and seven All-NBA Team distinctions. He guided the squad to eight playoff appearances, achieving a Western Conference Finals berth in the 2018-19 season.